On the recordJune 10, 2010
during the Memorial Day recess, we received two pieces of alarming news that should inform the work of every Member in this Chamber. First, we learned the national debt has surpassed $13 trillion in total, and then shortly after that, we learned that nearly all the jobs that were added in May came from temporary census positions. The private sector created just 41,000 jobs last month--many fewer than expected and certainly a far cry from the pace that will allow us to dig out from under this economic recession. I think we all recognize there is no question that our recovery is still fragile--very much in doubt. It is also quite clear it will take some time for millions of unemployed Americans to find their jobs and get back on their feet again. These tough facts should encourage us to focus on these policies that create jobs, that reduce our debt, and at the same time should encourage us to guard against policies that fail in either or both of those areas. Madam President, we are here today to debate a policy that works against both of those goals--the Environmental Protection Agency's effort to impose economy-wide climate regulations under the Clean Air Act.
